What are handicap allowances and why are they recommended for various formats of play?

What is a handicap allowance?

A handicap allowance is the percentage of a Course Handicap™ recommended to create equity based on the format of play. It is applied so that golfers of all skill levels have a fair and consistent expected score, regardless of the competition format.

Why are handicap allowances used?

Handicap allowances are used because higher-handicap golfers typically have more score variance and a greater potential to shoot lower net scores. Without an allowance, lower-handicap golfers are at a disadvantage when full Course Handicaps are applied. Taking a percentage of Course Handicap impacts higher-handicap golfers more, which brings the expected scores for all golfers or teams to a more consistent level. Allowances are mainly applied in team formats, where the combination of golfers can produce lower scores compared to other teams.

How are handicap allowances determined?

Handicap allowances under the WHS™ are determined and validated using millions of scores and simulations. The recommended allowance for each format of play can be found in Appendix C of the Rules of Handicapping.